Chinese Astrology: A Beginner’s Guide –

When talking about astrology, it’s very likely that you think of the signs of the zodiac: Aries, Pisces, Libra, Sagittarius… but that’s not the only astrology there is, you know? That’s why, today, we present a beginner’s guide to Chinese astrology.

CHINESE ASTROLOGY: WHAT IS IT?

The signs we are used to dealing with are the Sun signs. It is based on this calendar that Western astrology works. On the other hand, Chinese astrology is based on the lunar calendar – including, it is for this reason that the Chinese New Year takes place on a date different from January 1, as it follows another date system.

But there is a similarity between the two astrologies: the one of Chinese origin also has twelve signs, each one representing a different animal. Here, the turn of the year takes place between the end of January and the beginning of February, and a new sign starts to govern and dictate the energy of the following months.

Legend has it that the order of the Chinese signs has to do with the legend of Buddha’s departure. According to the story, when they heard the news that Buddha had left Earth, the animals ran to say goodbye. First in line was the Rat, then the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Monkey, the Sheep, the Rooster, the Dog and lastly the Boar. As a thank you for caring, Buddha gave each of the animals a year on the lunar calendar.

The year, day and time of your birth are connected to one of these signs and the relative characteristics. This combination is what defines your Chinese astrology chart.

CHINESE ASTROLOGICAL ASCENDANT

you know your birth time? This is the time to look on your certificate to find out which sign relates to the moment you were born:

11 pm to 1 am — hours commanded by the Rat
1 am to 3 am — hours commanded by the Ox
3 am to 5 am — hours commanded by Tigre
5 am to 7 am — hours commanded by the Rabbit
7 am to 9 am — hours commanded by the Dragon
9 am to 11 am — hours commanded by Cobra
11 am to 1 pm — hours commanded by the Horse
1 pm to 3 pm — hours commanded by the Sheep
3 pm to 5 pm — Hours commanded by the Monkey
5 pm to 7 pm — hours commanded by the Rooster
7 pm to 9 pm — hours commanded by the Dog
9 pm to 11 pm — hours commanded by the Boar

LUNAR AND SOLAR SIGNS

The lunar and solar signs relate to the day the month you were born.

1st – Rat: Sagittarius, November 22nd – December 21st
2nd – Ox: Capricorn, December 22nd – January 20th
3rd – Tiger: Aquarius, January 21st – February 19th
4th – Rabbit: Pisces, February 20 – March 20
5th – Dragon: Aries, March 21 – April 19
6th – Snake: Taurus, April 20 – May 20
7th – Horse: Gemini, May 21st – June 21st
8th – Sheep: Cancer, June 22 – July 21
9th – Monkey: Leo, July 22nd – August 21st
10th – Rooster: Virgo, August 22 – September 22
11th – Dog: Libra, September 23 – October 22
12th – Boar: Scorpio, October 23 – November 21

ANNUAL CHINESE SIGNS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS:

Mouse: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

The Rat is known for its charm and creativity. Honest and always very curious, those born in the year of the Rat have the habit of constantly learning and being always well informed. They do this through hard work and networking – which happens almost effortlessly. Planners, they love to help those close to them, but need to be constantly reminded to look out for their own needs and desires.

Ox: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

The Ox symbolizes honesty and good character. A hard worker and always very focused, the Ox likes order and takes pleasure in building a good routine. Despite having a very good sense of justice, it’s hard to change his mind once his opinion is set. The Ox is someone who avoids drama as much as possible, but ironically is the perfect animal to bring peace to arguments between friends.

Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Charismatic and very passionate, the Tiger is famous for attracting attention. This is a sign that is totally committed to love, friendships and social causes. For better or for worse, the Tiger lets his intuition guide him, taking on spontaneous adventures without a second thought. This sign isn’t the type to dwell on the past or beat themselves up over mistakes, big or small – on the contrary, they inspire others to be more daring.

Rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

The Rabbit is the type of person who loves art, beautiful things and taking time to reflect. In addition, it is the sign that likes to remind others how to enjoy life. Classically an introverted animal, the Rabbit seeks out beautiful, quiet places to reflect and re-energize. A natural diplomat, it’s hard to read the polite and graceful actions of the Rabbit unless you’ve known them for a long time.

Dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

The Dragon is legendary and famous for its energy and courage. Strong-willed and strong-willed, this animal is a magnet for its friends and admirers. Purpose is the Dragon’s driving force, and once he has a plan, he can’t change course until he sticks to it.

Cobra: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

A master of intuition and strategy, the Cobra has an almost magical way of figuring things out when it’s on. Usually, it is difficult for an outsider to understand, and the Snake person loves to convey this air of mystery to others. Cobra loves to be different and often surprises people with quite surprising fashion choices and controversial opinions.

Horse: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

The Horse is the most adventurous sign of the Chinese zodiac. With a wild heart and endless energy, the Horse is at peace in nature or exploring new territories. The Horse loves to take risks and is very confident, keeping friends and admirers always imagining what his own steps will be. This is a sign that learns by doing and does not accept unsolicited opinions – or any opinion, for that matter.

Sheep: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

The sign of the Sheep is famous for its generous spirit. This is the type of friend or relative who is very empathetic, so much so that you have to be careful not to come across as too reliable or too easily committed to things. Creative, emotional and known to be very supportive of those around them without a second thought, Sheep are blessed with a large circle of friends or family to lean on. Despite not looking for confrontations and disputes, he is an incredible fighter when confronted.

Monkey: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

The Monkey’s creative mind and entrepreneurial spirit are unique, often winning over or scaring his opponents. A lover of challenges and fun, the Monkey has no problem finding the resources he needs to do or to entertain. The Monkey’s ambitious spirit and bold nature make it difficult for them to think long-term, as well as hold their tongue and not talk more than necessary.

Rooster: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

The Rooster is direct – and has no problem assuming that he is. Whether conservative or liberal, introverted or extroverted, the person with the rooster sign gets all the attention when he speaks, precisely because of his self-awareness.

Dog: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

People born in the year of the Dog are honest and smart, and have a strong and admirable character. The Dog is a people connector, often serving as the glue that holds a group of people together. Your sense of justice and your spirituality are incredible, and your priority is to surround yourself with people who meet your high expectations.

Boar: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Last but not least, the Boar is a vibrant force that easily connects people with a wide variety of backgrounds. Naturally, this is a sign whose warm sense of humor and generous spirit attract new friendships, romance and adventure. The Boar will do his best to be moderate in the face of so many temptations and interesting opportunities at his disposal.